You may not think about it very often, but your chimney is a crucial part of your roof, and keeping it in top shape is an important safety measure for your house and those who live inside. A damaged roof can pose a huge safety risk to your family. For example, they can increase the risk of a house fire or lead to a build-up of moisture in your roof. If that doesn’t sound bad enough, some types of chimney damage can prevent carbon monoxide from escaping your home which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if it’s left unchecked. As you can see, an undamaged chimney is important to both your health and your home’s health. In this article, we’ll be going over some of the easiest ways to tell if your chimney is damaged, and how you can get it fixed.
The Chimney Crown is Damaged
The crown or top of your chimney can become damaged for a variety of reasons. Anything from bad weather to age, to just general wear and tear can cause cracks and holes to appear around the top of your chimney. This is dangerous for a few reasons. Here in Tampa, snow might not be common, but rain is definitely a part of the climate. If you have a damaged chimney crown, rain can easily get inside and damage your roof. There is also a risk of small animals crawling inside.
Most damaged chimney cracks can be fixed easily by sealing the small holes. However, if you don’t see the damage early, the solution may be far more difficult, not to mention expensive. When you’re dealing with extensive damage to the stonework or masonry, your only option may be to get the entire crown replaced. Like any roofing issue, a damaged chimney crown should be taken care of by a professional in case there is underlying damage.
Damaged Paint and Wallpaper
Chipping paint or wallpaper around your chimney isn’t necessarily a major cause for concern, but it should still be looked at by a professional. Such damage could be a simple aesthetic issue, but it could also be a sign of a cracked flue liner, which is one of the most serious forms of chimney damage. A cracked flue liner can mean that the airflow from your home to the outdoors is disrupted. This means an increased risk of fire and an increased risk of carbon monoxide problems. Another sign of a flue liner issue is bits of tile falling into the fireplace. If you notice either of these issues, contact a professional immediately as they can be dangerous.
Moisture Problems
Moisture could be getting into your chimney for a few different reasons. One of the easiest ways to spot a potential moisture issue is to check your firebox and damper for rust. If they’re difficult to use or not sealing properly, you may be dealing with rust. Rust is caused by a build-up of moisture in the air, so it’s one of the best indicators that water is getting into your chimney. Moisture problems can also be caused by deteriorated mortar joints, damaged chimney flashing, and broken or spalling bricks. If you suspect water damage in your chimney, it is best to go to a professional for help.
Getting your roof regularly inspected can prevent a lot of these issues from turning into health and safety risks. However, that doesn’t mean you should just wait for an inspector to find a problem. If you suspect damage to your chimney or you are in need of a roof inspection in Tampa, FL, contact Avatar Roofing for a free consultation.